Guus Hiddink takes the reigns at Chelsea

Guus Hiddink has been appointed interim manager at Chelsea where he will take the club to the end of the season.

Chelsea confirmed the appointment in a statement posted on their official website late on Saturday.

The statement said Mr Abramovich and the Board believe that Guus has what it takes to get the best out of our talented squad.

Guus said: ‘I am excited to return to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in the world but is not where it should be at the moment. However, I am sure we can all turn this season around.

‘I am looking forward to working with the players and staff at this great club and especially renewing my wonderful relationship with the Chelsea fans.’

The Dutchman will be at Stamford Bridge for Saturday’s match but Steve Holland will take control of team matters for the game alongside Eddie Newton, who will now take on the role of assistant first-team coach.

Guus Hiddink Chelsea vs Southampton – Image Source – The Dailymail

Guus took temporary charge of Chelsea in February 2009, losing just one league game as the blues recovered from a poor first half of the season to finish third in the Premier League, guaranteeing Champions League football for the next campaign and signing off in style thanks to a 2-1 FA Cup win over Everton at Wembley.

Guus Hiddink Fact Sheet:

DOB: 8 November 1946 – Age 69

Nationality – Dutch

Playing Position – Midfielder

He has been a team manager since 1987 starting with PSV Eindhoven. National Squads managed include Netherlands, South Korea, Australia, Russia and Turkey. He has won accolades such as AFC Coach of the Year (2002), World Sports Coach of the year (2002), Dutch Coach of the Year (2002, 2005). He was also awarded a lifetime achievement award by the Royal Dutch Football Association (2007).